Shaun Murphy “baffled” by Kyren Wilson’s remarks over his conduct during the Masters final

Shaun Murphy admits he is “baffled” by Kyren Wilson’s comments regarding his conduct during January’s Masters final.

Murphy prevailed 10-7 in the final at Alexandra Palace three months ago to claim his second Masters title, with Wilson calling his opponent an “old man” during his post-match interview and claiming he “needed the win more”.

Wilson’s comments prompted a fierce backlash on social media, but the Kettering cueist made no apologies and created unexpected needle between the two players on the eve of the World Championship.

Wilson said: “I think, if people knew the story, people would understand and probably actually applaud me almost for what went on in that final.

“Shaun knows full well what happened before the evening session of the Masters final.

“I don’t want to bad mouth anyone, but what he did before the evening session was uncalled for and quite unprofessional.

“There might have been a few [salty comments]. We live and learn. I disagree with something that Shaun did during that final, but I’m not taking anything away from him.”

Murphy was questioned about Wilson’s remarks on Friday ahead of the start of the sport’s showpiece event at The Crucible – where he will bid for a second world title 20 years on from his first, whilst also juggling punditry duties for BBC Sport.

Murphy admitted: “I’m totally baffled by it. My phone lit up when that was released. I was in the barbers minding my own business. I came out and my phone had gone nuts.

“My mates were saying: “What did you do? What is the story?” I have got absolutely no idea.

“I am disappointed that he has chosen that now is the time to bring it up, whatever it is. He has had months to say something to me if he wanted to.’

“I think it is really poor form on him to say it the way he said it. To leave everybody hanging.

“If you are going to have the bottle to pull somebody over something, at least call me about it. He could have said it to my face.

“He could have been a proper bloke and actually addressed me himself. He has chosen not to do that. I have no idea what the beef is or what the problem is.’

“I was sore when I saw that comment because my professionalism is something I pride myself on and have done for many years.

“I am left scratching my head as to what he could possibly be referring to. I have no idea. I wish he had just accused me of something outright because at least I could defend myself. I have no idea.

“The Masters I remember, we left the venue and this is what I did in the interval: I filled my car up with washer fluid, I took it for a car wash and we went for a team Starbucks. I am not sure what he is talking about. Maybe he was offended by my Starbucks.

Murphy and Wilson both attended the inaugural champion’s dinner in Sheffield on Thursday night, but ‘The Magician’ insists there was no mention of any problem by the current champion.

He added: “I would love to get the chance to say to him what is the problem. He didn’t mention anything last night at the dinner. He shook my hand at the dinner and was nice as pie.

“Whatever it is that is upsetting so much, it can’t be that bad because he shook my hand last night. I have no idea what is wrong with him. I don’t know. If you are going to call someone out, don’t go half baked and leave everybody, including me hanging. I have no idea.”

Murphy gets his Crucible campaign under way against debutant Daniel Wells on Tuesday and is situated in the opposite half of the draw to Wilson.

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